Bella had once been Elsa’s classmate in college. Back then, everyone admired Elsa for her beauty and intelligence, while Bella had nothing to show off except her rich family name. That small difference had always eaten her up inside, and the jealousy only grew with time. So when Bella spotted Elsa at Mixtone’s grand banquet, she almost laughed out loud. Elsa wasn’t walking in with some rich, powerful man—she had come with a guy who looked like he didn’t have two coins to rub together. Bella wasted no time mocking her. “Well, well, Elsa,” Bella sneered loudly so others could hear, “what are you doing here? Trying to sneak in and pretend to be a star?” Bella’s sharp eyes shifted from Elsa to the man standing calmly beside her, Ethan. She let out a short, mocking laugh and tilted her chin up. “And this is… who exactly?” Bella’s gaze swept Ethan from head to toe, dripping with disdain. “Don’t tell me this is your date, Elsa. God, look at him—he doesn’t even fit in here. Did you pull h

Ethan and Elsa entered the banquet hall. The atmosphere had just begun to settle after the shocking announcement of Elsa’s identity, but whispers still followed her every step. Heads turned, conversations hushed, and eyes lingered on her.They were about to look for Kate when another commotion broke out near the wine table.An arrogant woman was berating a young girl, no more than twenty, her piercing voice cutting through the soft music.“Are you deaf? I said bring me another glass! Do you think I enjoy repeating myself to useless people like you?”The girl’s hands trembled as she clutched the tray. She tried to explain, her voice very low. “Miss Larson, the company’s boss instructed me not to let you drink too much tonight. It’s for your own health…”Gasps fluttered through the small crowd nearby.Elsa’s steps faltered. Ethan glanced at her, his jaw tightening.The arrogant woman sneered, her heavily jeweled fingers curling around her half-empty glass. “Did you just lecture me? You’

Elsa opened her mouth, ready to speak, ready to defend herself, ready to tell Kate exactly what she thought about her cruelty. But a light hand brushed against her arm. “Let’s go,” Ethan whispered, his voice calm. “We’ll handle this later. Right now, we need to get out of here.” Elsa’s fingers curled into fists at her sides, her chest rising and falling quickly. “But I—” she started, her voice trembling. “No,” Ethan cut her off softly but commanding. “Not here. Not now. Come on.” Elsa’s jaw tightened, but she obeyed, letting him guide her through the crowd. She glanced back once, just in time to see Park’s grin widen and Bella’s laugh. The assistant, still trembling, clung to Elsa’s other hand. Ethan whispered to her, “Stay close. You’re safe now.” The two of them threaded through the throng, and as they reached the exit, Elsa’s heart ached at the sight of the chaos they had left behind. Inside, Park and Bella’s laughter roared. They were laughing like hyenas. “Hahaha! Did you

Elsa blinked, slightly stunned. Haley’s hands shook, and a small laugh escaped her lips, half disbelief, half excitement. “T-two weeks?” she whispered. Natalie nodded, her eyes scanning Haley as though measuring her potential. “I don’t waste time. If you want to be a star, you have to move fast. No excuses. No waiting around. Talent like yours… it doesn’t wait.” Ethan’s gaze softened just a little as he looked at Haley. “I told you, Haley. You have the chance. Don’t let it slip.” Haley’s chest rose and fell quickly. Her mind was spinning, heart beating super fast. She wanted to speak, but words failed her. Instead, she just nodded, feeling the weight of the moment—and the thrill of the challenge. Elsa leaned closer to Ethan, her voice barely above a whisper. “Kate… she’s more of a film actress, you know? Singing… it’s not really her main thing.” Haley blinked, slightly confused. “So… that means… I actually have a chance to beat her?” Ethan’s smile curved. “Starting with singing

Park’s jaw tightened, his expression darkening slightly. He muttered, “That… that can’t be good.” Kate, meanwhile, was still breathing heavily, her hands trembling with rage as she stomped her foot. The shattered phone lay on the floor. Bella exchanged a quick worried and shocked glance with Park. Kate’s chest heaved, her nails digging into the arm of her chair. Her perfect smile was gone, replaced with a tight snarl. “Bella!” she snapped, her voice sharp. “Find out who dared to put that… that little nobody next to Natalie. I don’t care if you have to crawl through the dirt. Do it!” Bella jumped at the sound of her name. Her heart pounded so fast it felt like it might burst. “Y-yes, Kate,” she stammered, nodding quickly. “I’ll—I’ll look into it right away. Maybe it’s just… a misunderstanding?” “A misunderstanding?” Kate hissed, leaning forward. Her eyes burned. “Do you think Natalie White just accidentally hugs some girl and calls her a future star? No. Someone is moving behind